Frindle

In Chapters 6-8, we talked about and looked for the use of simile and metaphor. Similes and metaphors are examples of figurative language used to make writing more vivid and interesting to the reader.

Similes are comparisons of two unlike things using “like” or “as”. For example, “Bob ran as fast as lightning”. We are comparing Bob to lightning using the word “as”. The effect of the comparison is that we understand that Bob can run really fast, but the lightning reference paints a much better picture in our heads.

Metaphors are comparisons of two unlike things as well, but do not use “like” or “as”. An example of this would be “Donovan is a throwing machine”. Here we are comparing Donovan and a machine. We know he is not really a machine, but in this case it shows us just how well he throws. Again, this is the difference between showing and not simply telling.

Try to think of at least one simile and one metaphor that would effectively “show” a reader what you’re trying to explain. Is one or the other (simile or metaphor) harder to come up with?

-Mr. Dunn

In Chapters 4-5, we began to characterize the different people we have met so far in Frindle. We tried to look beyond their physical attributes, and looked instead into their personalities and beliefs. Once again we saw some key differences between Nick and Mrs. Granger, and we agreed that these might lead to even bigger conflicts later in the story.

Consider some of the character traits that you possess, and compare those to the traits of one of your close friends. While there are probably similarities, look for the differences. Do these differences ever lead to disagreements with that friend?

*Remember not to share any personal information!

-Mr. Dunn

In Chapters 1-3, we discussed the different meanings of “Point of View”. We first looked at the author’s point of view. First person tells the story through a character in the book; Second person places you in the story; Third person limited it told by a narrator through the eyes of one character; and Third person omniscient is the all-knowing narrator or “eye in the sky”.

We also looked at a character’s point of view. This time we’re talking about that person’s perspective, or the way they see things. In Frindle, Nick and Mrs. Granger have conflicting points of view when it comes to school.

Compare and contrast some of your points of view on school against those of your parents/guardians. Are there some things you agree on? What do you disagree on?

-Mr. Dunn

In the first few chapters of Frindle, Nick tries to put one of his “time wasters” into practice in Mrs. Granger’s class. However, the plan backfires on Nick and he ends up with an extra report to write. He obviously isn’t happy about it, but think about a topic that you would like to research if I was going to assign it to you. Why would you enjoy that topic and where would you get the information?

-Mr. Dunn

In Chapters 1-3, we meet Nick Allen and find out quickly that he loves to liven things up. He is full of creative ideas that he carries out in school to the delight of his classmates. Tell about a creative idea you would like to put into action at our school, and decide whether you believe it could realistically be successful.

-Mr. Dunn